Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the annual concluding festival for authentic Arabian camel racing commenced today at the Al Wathbah racetrack in Abu Dhabi.

This year’s event, dedicated to the 'Haqaiq' category, will continue until March 18, attracting a large turnout of camel owners from the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The concluding festival, organized by the Emirates Camel Racing Federation, is recognized as a crucial cultural event within the GCC region.

It marks 45 years of continued success, building on the legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is overseen by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Affairs.

The inaugural festival was held in 1980, and the 46th version this year features 70 races specifically categorized for the 'Haqaiq' and 'Sharayah' breeds.

The festival's opening day includes competitions for the 'Haqaiq' followed by evening heats, with a total of 20 races from which winners will receive substantial cash prizes.

The following day is dedicated to competition for 'production' classes, featuring 18 races split between female and male camels.

Day three will initiate the 'Haqaiq' championship races over a distance of 4 kilometers, with 20 races planned, starting with the open female 'Haqaiq' competition that carries a grand prize of 1.5 million dirhams and a trophy.

The second event for the male 'Haqaiq' will offer a gun and a prize of 1 million dirhams.

The final day of the festival will host 12 'production' races, starting with the open female production race for which the winner will receive 1.5 million dirhams and a trophy, while the runner-up will earn a prize of 1 million dirhams.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Camel Racing Federation, expressed gratitude for the steadfast support provided by the leaders of the UAE to camel racing, emphasizing the numerous festivals and events organized throughout the year.

This sentiment was voiced amidst the launch of the concluding annual camel racing festival 'Wathbah 2025'.

Sheikh Sultan highlighted the importance of camel races in preserving the UAE's cultural heritage, rooted in the teachings of the late Sheikh Zayed.

He acknowledged the ongoing commitment from Sheikh Mansour, which has greatly influenced the sport through various activities and events that are regularly attended by him, enhancing competitive spirit within the races.

The festival is expected to foster relationships among camel owners across the GCC, promoting camaraderie while emphasizing the significance of vibrant participation as a testament to the sport's ethos.

Sheikh Sultan also conveyed appreciation to the organizing committee for their dedication and efforts, acknowledging the challenges ahead in ensuring the event's success this year.

He underscored his confidence in the experienced team responsible for organizing camel racing events at the national level.